She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

The man took a cold breath.

In the moment their eyes met, he finally saw Han Lei’s face clearly.

The fairy in front of him was about twenty-one or twenty-two years old, with curved apricot eyes beneath willow-like eyebrows, cherry lips full, skin as white as snow, and black hair draping her shoulders.

Her delicate and lively appearance was like a pink peach blossom just budding in the spring, truly like a fairy fallen to the mortal world, instantly stirring his heartstrings.

Han Lei was also vigilantly staring at the man.

He had a tall figure, casually draped in an indigo robe revealing a large portion of his chest and a shallow scar, with messy, wet black hair hanging at the back.

His posture was upright, evidently practiced in martial arts.

Han Lei, a modern woman, was used to seeing people wearing spaghetti strap dresses or swimwear at the beach, revealing arms and legs, unlike the conservative people of ancient times.

Yet she always felt this man’s straightforward gaze made him look like not a decent person.

The sky suddenly darkened.

𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

The once-clear sky was unknowingly swallowed by dense dark clouds. The wind urged the clouds toward them, casting a shadow overhead.

Han Lei’s sweet and pretty face sunk into the darkness, making her already lowered brows appear even more somber.

The wind abruptly intensified, lifting a few strands of hair across her forehead.

Han Lei didn’t brush them away, letting the ends sweep across her slightly squinting eyes. The vigilance and killing intent within were multiplying.

Though this place was deserted countryside, it was near the official road.

If she weren’t bathing here, having a man appear or pass by wouldn’t be strange.

The coincidence came in that she was bathing when this man appeared.

This made Han Lei feel extremely odd.

She had scanned the area earlier, clearly finding no one around. Was this man purposefully hiding to peep?

Han Lei’s stance seemed relaxed, but her entire body was taut, like a fully drawn bow.

If he were indeed a voyeur, Han Lei wouldn’t mind making him leave his eyes behind.

"Who are you?"

Han Lei’s voice dropped another notch, the tail end sharp as a blade iced over.

Her right hand hidden in the wide sleeve silently tightened, the cold touch of a dagger reaching her palm.

Upon hearing Han Lei’s question, the man snapped back to reality; unable to give a hand salute due to both hands holding his cloak draped over his shoulder, he quickly bowed.

"I mean no offense."

As he spoke, he swallowed, turning his face away quickly, handing the block of body soap toward Han Lei.

"I... I was just bathing. I saw something strange flowing in the stream, so I came to check it out."

Something strange flowing?

Han Lei looked at the man’s outstretched hand, suddenly understanding.

No wonder this man was bare-chested with wet hair. He, like her, was a fellow bather hiding in this mountain bay.

He was merely curious about the body soap she’d discarded, so he followed the stream to investigate.

Only then did Han Lei breathe a sigh of relief, casually remarking, "It’s just the powder block I use for makeup, it’s useless now."

"Oh! I see."

The man tossed away the body soap, introducing himself: "I am Su Qi, General stationed at Jingzhou. My apologies for disturbing the fairy bathing here."

Though he spoke polite words, his eyes couldn’t help but linger on her exposed fair calf.

Han Lei frowned; she disliked this man’s roving gaze.

"The general jokes; I am no fairy, just passing by. The weather is hot, and seeing the creek’s clarity, I wished to wash away the dust."

Upon saying this, Han Lei suddenly paused.

This man said he’s Su Qi, a General stationed at Jingzhou. Could he be the Mr. Su Xiao Zhengfei mentioned, who led troops to aid Ling’an City last time?

"You say... you are Mr. Su, are you from the Su Family?" Han Lei uncertainly asked.

"Indeed, indeed. Does the fairy know me?"

Su Qi was thrilled that this beautiful fairy before him actually knew him.

Han Lei smiled, albeit a bit eerily.

"I haven’t met Mr. Su but know the Su Family is one of the four great families."

Han Lei’s soft voice stirred Su Qi’s heart more, nodding repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, I’ve always garrisoned with my father at Jingzhou. The military camp is not far ahead. The unusually hot day prompted me to soak here."

No wonder a man appeared here; turns out the Jingzhou garrison’s camp is nearby.

Han Lei wrapped herself in "Little Fatty’s" cloak, slightly bowing apologetically: "I didn’t know you were Mr. Su earlier; if I was disrespectful, I hope Mr. Su forgives."